Metro Manila may be far from Mindanao, but we can’t pretend this isn’t happening. This affects the entire country.

Francis Mangonsing and Jaime Elona of Inquirer.net report that "up to 30 hostages have been allegedly taken by heavily armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after a fierce clash with government troops in Zamboanga City on Monday, September 9 that left one naval special forces member dea."

The report revealed: "Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde told INQUIRER.net that the group was demanding to put up their flag in the government city hall." the report also added: "The MNLF has penetrated the villages of Talon-Talon, Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, and Arena Blanco as of the report’s posting time (9:44 a.m. on Monday, September 9)."

According to the report, "Zamboanga City government suspended classes in all levels as well as work in government offices. A crisis management committee led by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Salazar was also convened."